Shanghai International Circuit
China Circuit Map & Guide
Held at the Shanghai International Circuit, the Herman Tilke-designed track had an uninterrupted position on F1’s calendar from 2004 through to 2019 – the most recent edition of the race being Formula One’s 1000th. The Chinese GP was both the scene of Michael Schumacher’s final F1 victory in 2006 and German counterpart and fellow World Champion Nico Rosberg’s first win in 2012. Since his championship defining DNF in the 2007 race, Lewis Hamilton has dominated the Chinese GP, winning more races than any other driver. A track that is known for overtaking – thanks in part to the 1.1km back straight – the 2018 Chinese GP was the scene of one of Daniel Ricciardo’s greatest ever wins, coining the famous phrase post-race “Sometimes you’ve just gotta lick the stamp and send it!”. After being postponed during the pandemic, the Chinese GP returned in 2024 and an extension until 2030 signed shortly after. While there are four ticketed grandstands at the Shanghai circuit, there are also plenty of general admission areas to check out other sections of the track – particularly Zone J at the end of the hairpin.
While each of our Chinese Grand Prix Packages comes with a pre-defined grandstand ticket, we’ve created this China F1 Track guide to help you choose an alternative.
Shanghai International Circuit
KEY FACTS.
- Circuit Length – 5.45km
- Number of Laps - 56
- Race Distance – 305.06km
- Max Speed – 348km/h
Shanghai International Circuit
KEY INFORMATION.
- Average Temperature in March – 14c
- Currency – Yuan (CNY)
- Closest Airport – Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA)
- Language – Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese)
- Time Zone – UTC: +8hrs GMT
Shanghai International Circuit
GRANDSTANDS.
A
A massive grandstand along the start/finish straight, Grandstand A is a covered stand with fantastic views of the grid and pit-lane. Dependent on the seats, higher up you will be able to see the majority of the circuit – being able to follow the cars throughout the entertaining midfield section of the track, while the lower rows gives you a close-up feel to the cars on the grid and along the main straight. Irrespective of your seats, directly across from your seats you will be able to view any of the multiple giant video screens. A look to the right and you will be able to catch the cars navigate the almost-flat final corner as well as the tricky pit entry, while to the left you will have views of cars entering the unique opening set of corners.
B
Situated just past Grandstand A and into turns 1-3 is Grandstand B. While lower down on the track means you won’t see as much past the pit exit, this stand will give you a very good viewpoint of the twisty opening corners, where often there are passes and incidents – particularly on the opening Lap. Grandstand B is completely uncovered and as mentioned lower than Grandstand A, however there is a large screen meaning you will still see all the action. Grandstand B is a short 5 minute walk to the Fanzone as well as all food and refreshment options.
H
Grandstand H is perched at the end of one of the longest straights on the F1 calendar – all but assuring plenty of overtaking action during the race. Here you will witness F1 cars at their slipstreaming best, with plenty of room and run-off at the hairpin at the end of the straight. A covered stand Grandstand H also looks directly at Grandstand K on the exit of the hairpin. Seats in Grandstand H also have a giant screen visible and will give you distant views of the final corner and pit entry.
K
Directly across from Grandstand H on the exit of the hairpin, Grandstand K will provide similar views to Grandstand H, while also being closer to the Main Grandstand and conveniently located to the majority of the food, drink and merchandising options. While also catching the second half of any overtakes into the hairpin, you will also have a lot of great photo opportunities of the cars at low-speed here. Grandstand K is covered and has a giant screen visible from your seats.
Grand Prix schedules are normally released in the weeks leading up to the event. While schedules do change year on year, the most recent schedule (below) should give a good indication of what to expect and when.